http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.orgScotland's environmental charityKeep Scotland Beautiful: All Rights Reserved.en-gbhttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=118*more*
NAC Streetscene kindly provided litter pickers, bin bags, etc. and will uplift the material cleared. The NAC District Ranger lent a hand, shuttling back and forth to relieve the workers of the heavy bags of rubbish.

The event was part of the very successful Beith and District 'Great Litter Pick' that was co-ordinated by Norrie and Rose Brown. Christine Furey was the Barrmill & District organiser of the event.

The Barrmill Conservation Group also had a workday and everyone enjoyed a lunch and tea provided by the Barmill and District Community Association, with a contribution from Tunnocks Bakeries, etc.
]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=118Mon, 13 May 2013 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=117*more*
Katja Wündrich, co-founder and managing director of South Queensferry-based Wind & Cloud Travel LTD, kicked off the inaugural Spring Clean on Saturday, May 4th 2013 at The Hawes Inn. “We don’t only want to present Scotland in the best possible light to our customers. We want to help keeping this beautiful country green and reduce waste and environmental pollution.”

For this Katja continued a German tradition, where the community would meet up every year to tidy up the town and welcome spring, with the help of Scotland’s environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

She enlisted the Wind & Cloud team, friends and family to tidy up the area around Hawes Pier, one of the major tourist attractions of the historical town with the best view of the Forth Bridges. Additionally, the local Scotmid Co-Operative store and Greggs branch agreed to support the volunteers with snacks and refreshments. Edinburgh Council provided pickers and gloves and arranged the refuse collection.

At the end of a warm and sunny Saturday morning, 20 volunteers collected more than five car tyres, two shopping trolleys, one exhaust and 24 bags full of litter. After the event, Katja was already planning for the future: “I’m very impressed with what we have achieved in only a few hours. I would like to thank our volunteers for their relentless work and enthusiasm. And I am already looking forward to our Spring Clean 2014.”

More info about Wind & Cloud Travel
Wind & Cloud Travel LTD is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, working towards Gold status after being granted Silver status two years ago. The company is also a member of the German association for sustainable tourism “Forum Anders Reisen e.V.” (http://www.forumandersreisen.de) and works closely with CO2 offset company Atmosfair (http://www.atmosfair.de) to compensate their CO2 emissions.
]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=117Thu, 09 May 2013 11:42:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=116*more*

Today’s event, part of Clean Up Scotland, was a roaring success with over 50 bags of rubbish collected as well as the team at GHA taking away 2 van loads of rubbish which had been flytipped in the area.

We have all certainly made a difference within the community and I just wanted to thank all the community partners and volunteers who made today such a success.

Look out for an article in the Evening Times!]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=116Fri, 03 May 2013 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=115Clean Up Scotland.
*more*
We had 34 volunteers taking part in the clean up. They did a tremendous job clearing 69 bags of rubbish from 12 areas of Aviemore and the Ski road between Coylumbridge and Glenmore. What was nice to see was the wide cross section of volunteers from young children to the not so young. The Army and ATC cadets were very important to the success of the clean up. In particular, the army cadets moved an impressive amount of rubbish from the banks of the A9, either side of the tunnels leading to High Burnside. Including two complete lorry wheels. Good effort.

I believe that due to the splendid effort of all the volunteers, a marked difference will be seen to the appearance of Aviemore, which is a bonus at the start of the tourist season.

Thanks also to the Cairngorms National Park Authority for the grant to purchase pickers and gloves. Also of great help were Highland Council who collected the rubbish and loaned pickers and gloves.

I intend to make this an annual event and hope this excellent team of volunteers will volunteer again next year.
]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=115Thu, 02 May 2013 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=114*more*
A total of 60 man hours was put in during the morning, and the village and surrounding countryside is looking spick and span for walkers and cyclists.

Shouts of 'well done' & 'thank you' were heard from groups passing cyclists!

Supported by both Mid and East Lothian Council cleansing departments, a huge pile of rubbish was gathered from verges, lanes and burns. Flytipped sofas, washing machine and tyres, along with over 50 bags of litter, were gathered - one of the biggest hauls in the 17 years that Cousland has held this event.

If you want to organise a clean up of your local area, visit Clean Up Scotland to find out how.]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=114Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:20:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=113*more*
Norrie said: “There are a number of areas around that town that could do with a tidy up. Despite the good work carried out by NAC Streetscene workers the amount of litter that ends up in open spaces is not a great reflection of the town and its people. And that is the kernel of this annual event which was previously arranged by our now defunct community council.”

He added: “I hope as many local folk as possible will turnout, even just for an hour, to give their support. Everyone should come suitably dressed for the task in hand and with gloves. Everything else that is required will be supplied. It’s an opportunity for locals to show their concern for the local environment and take action to make things better by getting rubbish removed. It’s also an opportunity to remind everyone that litter is a real menace and should be taken home or placed in bins. We all want the town and surrounding villages to be good places for everyone to live in and enjoy and to attract visitors. Making sure that they are litter-free is a step in the right direction.”

Rose commented: “The age group we are hoping to attract will be anything between 8 to 80 and a bit either side! We would ask that children are always accompanied by an adult, but they do have a role to play. We aim to finish not later than 1pm or if folk are keen perhaps slightly later. Thereafter the afternoon would be free. The intention is to have a free family Ceilidh type event in the evening (as a means of thanking all the willing helpers) perhaps from 7.00pm till 10.00pm in the Community Centre. This would be a “Bring your own bottle” event with great local entertainment to show the volunteers that the hardwork is followed by fun. We also hope to supply some food for this event.”

It is hoped that as many folk as possible will support Norrie and Rose in this important local endeavour. Anyone who wishes more information about the litter-pick and evening ceilidh is cordially invited to contact Norrie or Rose Brown on: 01505-506194, M: 07774 951660 or e: tennamast@btinternet.com]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=113Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:38:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=112
I am falling in love more and more with her beauty, her scenery, her sense of place, her wildness. As any good partner would do I also wish to conserve and maintain the relationship I have with her an as part of this I have discovered wanton dumping of rubbish in her forests, along her paths, in her very fibre which angers me and frustrates me in equal measure.

I went on a wee walk today with Litter picker, 2 bags, and gloves. Within the hour I had collected 2 full bags of rubbish, crisp packets, droppings, blue bags, bottles, cans, paper, just in a small area surrounding the ancient forest.

We are killing our environment our flora and fauna with this pollution. Wake up and smell the stench of waste. Stop the drop of your rubbish. Follow my example. When you…. yes you….. Next walk around the dam….. Take a bag with you and take your rubbish with you when you leave.

If you love the dam as much as I do don’t just get angry get picking. Speak to the Ranger Service; they can give you bags, litter pickers, etc. Commit to picking up a bag of rubbish. If every visitor just did just one we would collect 100,000 bags of rubbish. Just think about that the next time you get lazy and drop your rubbish

Seamus Corry
John Muir Trust
Conserver Award Participant ]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=112Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:24:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=111*more*
Bloom group chair Mary Law welcomed everyone to the fourth such launch which also marked the 10th anniversary of its entry in Beautiful Scotland.

Taking the theme ‘Making a difference by lending a hand’, Mary said various groups and organisations had made a difference in Cupar by working together and “lending a hand” to each other.

Proudly on display was the impressive Wright Sustainability Award, which was presented to the town at last year’s Beautiful Scotland competition.

Presentations – in words and song – were given by Castlehill and St Columba’s primaries, whose children discussed their contributions towards Cupar in Bloom. Castlehill youngsters also presented Mrs Law with a hedgehog house.

Kilmaron pupils described the work in their school garden which has produced onions and other vegetables which have appeared in snacks and soup.

A film of last year’s eco week at Bell Baxter High School was among the highlights of a presentation by pupils.

Mrs Law received a decorated card from the youngsters of Cupar ‘Y’ nursery, who also entertained everyone with a couple of songs.

An enlightening talk on ‘Plants for purpose’ was given by expert Margaret Lear, from Bankfoot, who mentioned several plants which attract bees and butterflies.

Cupar Rotary Club president Rennie Ritchie, whose organisation is a keen supporter of Cupar in Bloom, said the group’s future rested with the young people of the town, whose eco, recycling and planting efforts were “fantastic.”]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=111Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:37:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=110*more*
She said of the day: "We arrived at the site eager to get started and had one parent helper and 11 children all raring to go! The Woods were in a bit of a mess with broken glass, tyres, wood and litter scattered around.

"We spent an hour and a half collecting litter, and filled 12 black bags plus collected other odd items - we left these for the litter team to collect.

"Wow what a difference!!"

If you have any stories of your clean up events you would like shared (especially unique and inspirational events), do send them through, with a good photo, to juliette.camburn@ksbscotland.org.uk
]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=110Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:06:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=108*more*
Young Scot is holding their eighth annual Young Scot Awards for 2013 – in partnership with The Sunday Mail. The event aim is to challenge and change negative perceptions of young people through telling positive stories of young people in the media. The awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of young people aged 11-26 years in Scotland.

It would be a fantastic prospect for a young person you know to be recognised for an achievement, contribution or effort. Young Scot wants to know about the young people who make Scotland proud.

Examples of the award categories to place nominations in are:

ENVIRONMENT: Do you know a young person who is pro-active in helping the environment to protect the world for future generations? This could be related to recycling, global sustainability, ecology or perhaps something else entirely.

COMMUNITY: Can you recognise a young person who has participated in helping decisions to improve the local community? This person may have demonstrated good citizenship that has made a huge difference for others in their community.

HERITAGE HERO: Do you know a young person that has ran a project that aims to protect, maintain and support Scotland’s historic environment?

ENTERPRISE: Can you recognise a young person that has showcased their entrepreneurial flair in the local community?

CULTURAL DIVERSITY: Do you know a young person that raises awareness of culture or speaks out against inequalities in their local community? Do they spend time embracing other cultures and create equal opportunities for others?

To nominate a friend, family member or someone in the public eye aged 11-26 who is truly inspirational, please nominate them by following these simple steps...

• Log on to the event website at: www.youngscotawards.co.uk
• Select the category that your nominee is best suited to
• Fill in your personal contact details
• Fill in your nominee’s contact details
• Give an explanation why your nominee deserves to be recognised
• Click submit – it’s as simple as that!

All nominations must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 17th February 2013.

Finalists will be asked to take part in filming which will take place during the month of March and all finalists should be able to attend the event on the 19th April 2013 in Glasgow. As well as celebrating the efforts of young people, the event itself is an exciting occasion for the finalists to meet other young people and to enjoy the show – with special guests, celebs, surprise pop acts and much more. The information provided may be used as part of an editorial feature within the Sunday Mail.]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=108Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:51:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=107*more*
Along the way Cecilia has filled 256 rubbish bags and collected some rather unusual finds, including a child’s potty, swimming goggles, 83 L plates and an inflatable doll!

Since completing her litter pic, Cecilia has been working with Shetland Amenity Trust to sort through all 1.5 tonnes of litter, separating out the recyclables. Thanks to her efforts, 939 glass bottles, 4895 cans and 5728 plastic bottles will go for recycling. What started as a one person project has engaged many islanders and local businesses, turning this into a community-wide project. Cecilia believes that the help and support she has received has made this a uniquely Shetland experience, reflecting the local community’s willingness to get involved and lend a hand. You can follow Cecilia and her environmental endeavours at www.facebook.com/Dunnachuckbruck.
]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=107Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:44:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=106*more*
Our two new poster designs came about from a Keep Scotland Beautiful Forum meeting where we learned from Fife Council after their successful deterrent “wanted” poster. We then developed a second new design to incorporate “eyes” and the phrase “We are looking out for you”.

Since the launch of this new campaign a few weeks ago we have had positive media interest and although just a few weeks in and we are still placing posters, we have had reports of dog fouling problems with details of the times at which the problem arises. With these reports we can target our time and efforts in being at the right place at the right time to either deter or catch those that choose not to clear up after their dog. It has also been noted by staff at the number of people that are stopping to read the posters which is great news.

We have two excellent posters that will have an effect with encouragement to report dog fouling issues and with a lot of deterrent value to help tackle the on-going problem of the few that are resistant to keeping our Highlands clear from dog waste.

Photo: Cllr Graham Phillips, Chair of TECS Committee and his dogs with Ian Wilson (Education and Enforcement officer) holding an enlarged sample of the “wanted” poster.]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=106Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:01:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=105*more*
As ever the standard of award applications was very high and it is always a very difficult job shortlisting the 'top' entrants.

We are delighted to announce that this years' award finalists are Falkirk Council, Fife Council, First ScotRail, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community and Safety Services, The Highland Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Stirling Council and West Dunbartonshire Council.

All finalists will deliver a presentation on their award submission to the panel of judges who will then decide the overall winners.

Unfortunately the finalists will have to wait till February to hear if their project has been recognised at the annual People and Places Conference and Awards Ceremony being held this year at the Puma Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh.

For more information about the conference and awards please visit The People and Places Conference and Awards Dinner 2013.]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=105Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:51:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=104*more*
It was also a great opportunity for me to learn more about the issues that Housing Associations have to deal with and also the work of HouseMark Scotland. A large amount of housing stock in Scotland is now managed by Housing Associations who have the responsibility to ensure their land is kept clean and green, therefore a lot of our services are entirely relevant to this sector. Local Environmental Quality audits can provide a baseline and monitor on-going improvements; our range of training courses can provide housing staff with knowledge of local environmental issues such as litter, dog fouling and flytipping and our networking forums and annual conference provide a platform to share ideas and good practice.

If you would like further information on the services that we can offer to Housing Associations please contact the People and Places team at peopleandplaces@ksbscotland.org.uk.
]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=104Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:59:00 GMThttp://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=103*more*
The morning session provides you with all you need to know about appearing in court, followed by an opportunity in the afternoon to provide evidence in Stirling Sheriff Court and be questioned by our expert Procurator Fiscal and Defence Lawyer.

Feedback from previous training delegates includes:

“Role playing in the dock builds confidence for future court experience”.

"Amazing experience in real scenario. Something that everyone should go through."

"The course was very good and will help very much in my job."

If you would like to book a place on this course or find our more information about costs or our full training programme please contact the People & Places team at peopleandplaces@ksbscotland.org.uk.]]>http://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/blog.aspx?id=103Tue, 20 Nov 2012 09:29:00 GMT